Postdoc in Immunology and Fibrosis

Forskning og uddannelse, Bartholin Bygningen; Denmark; On-site; DKK 493,000 - 585,000; Full time

Job summary

Aarhus University invites applications for a fixed-term, full-time Postdoc position in Immunology and Fibrosis. The appointment is for two years starting 1 February 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter, supervised by Associate Professor Stinne Greisen.

The project focuses on immune cell–fibroblast interactions in skin fibrosis, with emphasis on systemic sclerosis and keloid scarring, using single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, 3D skin models, and mouse models.

Qualifications

• PhD level qualification in immunology, autoimmunity, molecular medicine, molecular biology or biomedical sciences.
• Experience with high-dimensional datasets, especially single-cell RNA sequencing or spatial transcriptomics.
• Expertise in experimental immunology, T-cell biology and inflammatory signaling pathways.
• Advanced cell culture, including primary human cells and co-culture assays.
• Experience with 3D cell cultures, organoids or ex vivo tissue models and animal models.

Responsibilities

• Independently conduct high-quality research and publish results.
• Analyze and integrate multi-omics datasets to study fibrosis-related cellular interactions.
• Perform immunology assays including flow cytometry and imaging-based analyses.
• Establish and optimize primary cell cultures and co-culture systems.
• Develop 3D ex vivo skin models from patient biopsies to study fibrotic mechanisms.
• Contribute to animal studies using mouse models of skin fibrosis.

Skills

Single-cell RNA sequencing

Spatial transcriptomics

T-cell biology

Immunology research

Cell culture techniques

Education

PhD in immunology or related field

Tools

Flow cytometry

Immunofluorescence

Gene expression analysis

Job description

The Department of Biomedicine at Faculty of Health at Aarhus University invites applications for a position as Postdoc in the field of Immunology and Fibrosis as per 1 February 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is a fixed-term full-time position for 2 years.

The Department of Biomedicine prioritises diversity and a good work environment, as this is a prerequisite for groundbreaking research. In a diverse and international research environment, dedicated employees are looking to generate new knowledge within biomedical research areas such as infection and inflammation, membranes, neuroscience and personalised medicine. The Department of Biomedicine provides research-based teaching of the highest quality and is responsible for a large part of the medical degree programme. Academic staff contribute to the teaching. English is the preferred language in the laboratory, at meetings and at seminars. The department employs approx. 500 people from all over the world, and they make use of the department's modern laboratory-, core- and animal facilities. The Department of Biomedicine focuses on innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration with business and industry, and numerous researchers from the department have established companies to develop new medicinal treatments founded in professional scientific basic research. You can read more about the department here and about the faculty here .

About the research project

The postdoctoral position is part of a translational research project investigating the interplay between immune cells and fibroblasts in the development and progression of skin fibrosis, with a particular focus on systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) and keloid scarring.

The project is based on the hypothesis that immune checkpoint receptor pathways play a central role in regulating interactions between T helper cells and fibroblasts, thereby contributing to the development and progression of skin fibrosis. By combining advanced cellular and molecular techniques with patient-derived samples, in vitro co-culture systems, 3D ex vivo skin models, and experimental animal models, we aim to identify novel mechanisms driving fibrosis and explore potential therapeutic strategies.

Your job responsibilities

As Postdoc in Immunology and Fibrosis your position is primarily research-based but may also involve teaching assignments. You will contribute to the development of the department through research of high international quality. In your daily work, you will work closely with colleagues on your project, where you will receive supervision and guidance.

• Independent research of high international quality, including publication.
• Analyzing and integrating multi-omics datasets, including single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, to identify cellular interactions and signaling pathways associated with fibrosis.
• Performing advanced cellular and molecular analyses, including multicolor flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and gene expression profiling.
• Establishing and optimizing primary cell cultures and in vitro co-culture systems to investigate interactions between T cells and fibroblasts.
• Developing and applying 3D ex vivo skin models using patient-derived biopsies to investigate fibrotic mechanisms and evaluate potential therapeutic interventions.
• Contributing to experimental studies using mouse models of skin fibrosis, including bleomycin-induced fibrosis and keloid models.

You will report to the Associate Professor Stinne Greisen.

Your competences

You have academic qualifications at PhD level, within immunology, autoimmunity, molecular medicine, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field. We highly value experience within:

• Analysis and interpretation of high-dimensional datasets, particularly single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, or other multi-omics approaches.
• Experimental immunology, particularly T-cell biology, immune regulation, or inflammatory signaling pathways.
• Advanced cell culture techniques, including primary human cell cultures, immune cell isolation, and functional co-culture assays.
• Cellular and molecular techniques, including multicolor flow cytometry, immunofluorescence microscopy, and gene and protein expression analyses.
• Development or application of advanced experimental models, including 3D cell cultures, organoids, or ex vivo tissue models.
• Working with animal/mouse models of inflammation or fibrosis

As a person, you have good interpersonal skills, are inclusive and team-oriented and able to contribute to a good work environment. We expect you to be fluent in oral and written English.

In order to be assessed as qualified for a Postdoc position, you must meet these academic criteria .

Shortlisting will be used.

Questions about the position

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Stinne Greisen tel.: [phone].

Your place of work will be the Department of Biomedicine, Wilhelm Meyers Alle 4, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.

We expect to conduct interviews around week 50

Terms of employment

• Appointment as a postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level.
• Further information on the appointment procedure can be found in the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities .
• The appointment is in accordance with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (Akademikerne).
• Remuneration is in accordance with the above, and the Salary agreement catalogue for staff at Health .
• The yearly base salary for a fulltime postdoc is between DKK 493.394,35 and DKK 585.322,48 depending on the years of working experience after achieved MSc degree. The base salary includes a position related supplement and pension (18.07 %). Additional supplement(s) for special qualifications can be negotiated. Authorisation supplemement(s) will be granted, if relevant for the position. Your local eligible trade union representative at Aarhus University negotiates your salary on your behalf.
• Researchers recruited from abroad are offered a special researcher tax scheme with a lower tax rate.
• Further information on qualification requirements and job description can be found in the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff

We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

International applicant?

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including assistance with relocation and career counselling to expat partners. Please find more information about the International Staff Office and the range of services here . Aarhus University also has a Junior Researcher Association and offers career development support. You can read more about these resources here .

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.